Delayed feedback loops

When I write consistently for a few days, I feel smarter.
When I exercise consistently for a few days, I feel stronger.
Yet, I struggle to want to do both.

It's not that I'm lazy. When I could be writing or exercising, I'm almost always working. Sitting at my computer, tapping, clicking, thinking.

Not working makes me feel guilty.

The mind is really bad at recognizing delayed feedback loops. It prefers things that feel productive in the moment, even if the opposite is true. Busywork trumps delayed gratification.

Okay, now that I've written, perhaps I should exercise.